I often see large numbers of Red Admirals heading south when out on Dartmoor in October - it is easier to see the migration happening on the open moor

I expect they are heading to France I saw some leave low over the sea at Branscombe, Devon last Sunday whilst Clouded Yellows and a Long-tailed Blue flew to the shore then headed south along the beach presumeably down to Berry Head or Start Point before heading south?

Yes they love Ginger Lily Hedychium gardnerianum as well - incredible aromatic at dusk and would attract them from miles around - recent photo from Cornwall. Friends once stayed on St Agnes Scilly with this growing in garden - 50 Convolvulus Hawks came in each evening at dusk!

There has been an influx of Convolvulus Hawks Agrius convolvuli in southern England over the last week. Worth checking Nicotiana plants at dusk for these amazing moths. I often grow these flowers especially to attract them - some photos from previous years.

Thanks look up 'Lepidopterists' sugar' there are many recipes - mine is a mixture of over-ripe bananas, black treacle, sugar and some beer or wine warmed gently then painted on a log or tree trunk

We are going to video the talk and hopefully post it on YouTube

Wow Jo - what size is that and any tips on finding them please?

what a beauty high on my 'to see' list

also the two carinae on the legs is shown well in the photo

it is spiniger which is the commoner one this time of year - the extensive punctures on the side of the pronotum are a good feature - the easiest way to separate the two species is by looking at the underside of the abdomen - spiniger has a bald line down the middle

Autumn moths Merveille du Jour Griposia aprilina, Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxycanthae and Tawny Pinion Lithophane semibrunnea. The Pinion will overwinter presumably sat on a tree trunk judging from its camouflage. Brook Wood, Buckfastleigh, Devon 8 October 2026

Zombie Disco Snail Leucochloridium paradoxum